Ulster Unionist Justice spokesperson Tom Elliott MLA has condemned the role of both the British and Irish Governments as described in the On the Runs Report published today by the House of Commons’ Northern Ireland Affairs Committee.  

Mr Elliott said:

“The findings of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee’s Report into the On The Runs scheme clearly indicate that both the British and Irish Governments were complicit in an underhand deal to appease Sinn Fein.

“Bertie Ahern’s Dublin Government as far back as 1999, was urging Tony Blair to instigate some form of amnesty. This is utterly shameful.

“Today provides a further opportunity for Gerry Kelly to clear up the confusion surrounding his role as the ‘postman’ who distributed letters from the Government to so-called ‘On The Runs.’

Originally he said ‘there is no name for a recipient so I don't know who the letter is to, or what it's about. It is now public knowledge that my name was on most of these letters as a conduit for Sinn Féin.”

“In effect Gerry Kelly was saying that he had no idea who he was supposed to hand the letters  to.

“However, answers which Lord Empey received from the Government contradicted Mr Kelly’s version of events as the Government stated that ALL letters were clearly marked for named individuals and sent to Sinn Fein. Therefore Gerry Kelly MUST have known who the letter was addressed to as the NIO was relying on Sinn Fein to know where the individual resided.

“This is merely yet another aspect of the truth and justice which has been corrupted as part of this sorry saga.

“I now call on the Government to name those in receipt of these letters and/or the Royal Prerogative of Mercy and to take all necessary steps including legislation, to ensure letters have no legal effect and to enable prosecutions to take place.”